The professional learning of teachers through experience in an international and intercultural context

In recent years the numbers of international students entering UK universities has increased. Figures from the UK Higher Education International Unit indicate that in 2006 international students comprised 13 per cent of all higher education students studying in the UK. This figure puts the UK third behind New Zealand and Australia in terms of the proportion of international students attending universities and other higher education establishments. When isolating figures for those undertaking advanced research degrees the figure rises to 40 per cent. The number of new applicants for study in the UK from international students in 2007 was 68,500, an increase of 7.8 per cent on the previous year. During the same period applications from potential students living in European Union (EU) countries increased by 33 per cent (EU students are not regarded as international students in the UK under agreement with European directives). The UK Government statistics indicate that international students boost the economy of the country by almost £8.5 billion a year.